Download Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
This handout will help you learn about atrial fibrillation ablation, also called
pulmonary vein isolation.
©
Hamilton Health Sciences, 2008
PD 6062 – 04/2014
dpc/pted/LrgBk/AtrialFibrillationAblation-trh.doc
dt/April 14, 2014
2
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
How does the heart work?
15
Notes
To understand atrial fibrillation, you need to know how the heart’s electrical
system works.
The sinoatrial node (SA node) is a natural pacemaker. It starts the
electrical signal that travels across the upper 2 chambers or atria of the
heart to the atrioventricular node (AV node).
The AV node transfers the electrical signal from the upper part of the heart
to the lower 2 pumping chambers or ventricles. The bundle branches are
specialized tissue that help send electrical impulses through the ventricles.
This makes a normal heart beat, called normal sinus rhythm.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
SA node
__________________________________________________________
Bundle branches
AV node
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
The electrical system coordinates the pumping action of the heart’s
four chambers.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
14
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Palpitation
The feeling of strong or forceful heart beats. The heart beats are usually
fast or irregular.
Pulmonary Veins
Veins that return blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
3
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias, or irregular
heart rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation is also called “a. fib” or “AF”. When you have atrial
fibrillation electrical impulses or signals come from many different areas
within the right atrium and left atrium (upper chambers), especially the
pulmonary veins. These signals are disorganized and rapid. This causes
your heart to beat fast and unevenly.
Left Atrium
Tachycardia
Fast heart beats.
Pulmonary
Veins
Pulmonary
Veins
Websites
Right Atrium
Heart and Stroke Foundation – www.heartandstroke.ca/AFGuide
Atrial
Fibrillation
Signals
Canadian Heart Rhythm Society – www.chrsonline.ca
Heart Rhythm Society – www.HRSonline.org
Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com
Septum
Biosensewebster – www.biosensewebster.com/patientEducation/
There are 3 types of atrial fibrillation:
• Paroxysmal: This is an irregular heartbeat for short periods of time.
• Persistant: This is an irregular heartbeat for long periods of time.
• Permanent: This is an irregular heartbeat all of the time.
Ask your doctor what type of atrial fibrillation you have.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
What causes atrial fibrillation?
There are many causes of atrial fibrillation. Some causes are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
high blood pressure
heart attack
heart failure
a valve problem
heart or lung surgery
lung disease
thyroid disease
other heart problems
stimulant drugs such as cocaine, caffeine and alcohol
Sometimes there is no known cause. Both men and women can have
atrial fibrillation. It can happen to anyone, however it becomes more
common as you get older.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
13
Common terms
This list explains common terms you may hear or read about. If you would
like more information, ask the team.
Ablation (also called Radio Frequency Ablation)
A treatment for abnormal heart rhythms. Heart tissue that causes abnormal
heart rhythms is destroyed using a special catheter. Ablation leaves the
normal pathways in place.
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Medications to treat abnormal heart rhythms.
Arrhythmia
A change in the heart rhythm that makes the heart beat too fast, too slow
or irregularly. This is also called dysrhythmia.
Bradycardia
The slowness of the heart beat.
Echocardiogram
How will I feel when I have atrial fibrillation?
You may feel:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
tired
shaky
sweaty
trouble breathing
chest discomfort
anxious
irregular or fast heart beat
your heart pounding
dizzy
A test that uses ultrasound pulse waves. This test shows a picture of the
heart and how it contracts during a heart beat.
Fibrillation
A condition where many parts of the heart muscle are starting heart beats.
This causes an irregular heart beat.
Heart Failure
A condition where the heart muscle loses its strength and cannot pump
enough blood for the needs of the body. The most common signs of heart
failure are swollen ankles or legs or trouble breathing. It is also called
congestive heart failure or CHF.
Pacing
A procedure that uses an electrical signal to stimulate the heart to beat.
You may feel nothing at all and feel just fine.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
12
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
When you go home
• Although you may feel fine the next day, the effects of the sedation
may still be with you. Do not operate heavy equipment or power tools.
You may want to delay signing contracts or other financial decisions
for that day.
• Limit your lifting to less than 9 kilograms or 20 pounds for the next
2 to 3 days.
• You can walk or do gentle exercises when you get home. Do not do
strenuous exercise for the next 3 days.
• If you see blood on your bandage, place firm pressure on the area
for 5 minutes. If bleeding continues, call your doctor.
• You may remove your bandage the next morning.
• You may shower the next morning. Do not soak in water, such as
a pool, hot tub or bathtub for the next 3 days.
• Ask your doctor when you will be able to return to work. The type
of work you do will determine when you can return to work.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
5
Is atrial fibrillation harmful?
Yes, it can be harmful.
A fast heartbeat is a great concern because it can cause heart failure.
With heart failure, your heart has trouble pumping blood through
your body. Fluid collects in the lungs and causes trouble breathing,
swelling, coughing and extreme tiredness.
Atrial fibrillation often causes blood clots. This can be very harmful.
A blood clot can block a blood vessel so blood cannot flow through
the body. A clot can cause stabbing leg pain, trouble breathing,
a stroke or a heart attack.
How is atrial fibrillation treated?
Atrial fibrillation may be treated with:
1. Medications
Will I have to take any medications?
Before you go home, talk about your medications with your doctor or nurse.
Follow-up appointments
Talk to your doctor or nurse about your follow-up appointments.
Arrangements will be made for your follow-up appointments. You will
have a holter monitor and an MRI in about 3 months. The MRI Department
will call you with this appointment.
• To slow the heart rate. These medications include:
• beta blockers such as metoprolol or bisoprolol
• calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem
• To restore normal rhythm. These medications include:
• anti-arrhythmics such as amiodarone or sotalol
• To help prevent blood clots from forming in the heart. This is
called anticoagulant therapy. One name for this medication is
warfarin (Coumadin).
2. Cardioversion
Cardioversion is a procedure in which an electrical shock is applied
to the heart through the chest wall. The shock is given at a specific
time during the heart’s rhythm to return your heart to a normal or
sinus rhythm. This is a safe procedure carried out in hospital in a
monitored setting with sedation.
3. Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Your doctor has recommended that you undergo an atrial fibrillation
ablation, also called pulmonary vein isolation.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
6
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
What is an atrial fibrillation ablation?
During an atrial fibrillation ablation, a special catheter or wire is used to
cauterize (destroy) and block the abnormal signals coming from the
pulmonary veins. This prevents the abnormal signals from entering the
left atrium of your heart and causing atrial fibrillation.
How do I get ready for the procedure?
In the weeks leading up to your procedure you will:
• have a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). You will need a ride
home after this procedure because of the sedation you will receive.
• have a CT or MRI scan of your heart. The image that is created will help
the doctor during the ablation procedure.
• visit the Pre-Arrhythmia Clinic to meet with the nurse and have some
bloodwork taken and an ECG done.
• visit the Thrombosis Nurse regarding your Coumadin®
(blood thinning medication).
• have bloodwork for an INR the day before your procedure.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
11
What happens after an atrial fibrillation ablation?
While you are in the hospital
• You will return to the Arrhythmia reception area to recover.
• You will feel sleepy. You may have trouble remembering some
parts of the procedure afterwards. When you wake up these
effects will go away.
• You will rest in bed for 4 hours. The head of your bed may
be raised up to 30°.
• You will keep your leg straight and your head on the pillow
for 4 hours.
• Drink fluids and eat while you are resting.
• The urinary catheter will be removed when you are ready to get up.
• You may stay in the hospital overnight. You will be transferred to
another ward for the night.
• Arrange to be picked up by 7:00 am.
What are the risks of an atrial fibrillation ablation?
The risks vary with each person and are related to your health condition
and type of arrhythmia.
Your doctor will explain your risks to you before the procedure and ask
you to sign a consent form. Make sure you understand the risks and
benefits of the procedure before you sign the consent form.
You must arrange to have someone drive
you home from the hospital.
Do not drive for 48 hours.
Possible risks include:
•
•
•
•
•
bleeding from the vein at the puncture site
bruising or infection at the puncture site
small risk of stroke
small of risk of needing a pacemaker
small risk of bleeding around the heart
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
10
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
• In order to reach the left atrium, the doctor will place 2 fine wires
through the tissue between the right atrium and the left atrium of
your heart. This is called a transseptal puncture. You will receive
a small amount of x-ray dye. This puncture heals itself after
the procedure.
7
Where will I have my procedure?
Your procedure will be done in the Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit, also called
the Electrophysiology (EPS) Lab.
This unit is at the Hamilton General Hospital. The EPS is be done by a
specially trained doctor, called an electrophysiologist.
Pulmonary
Veins
Pulmonary
Veins
Left Atrium
Right Atrium
It is very important that you do not move during the procedure.
The sedation will help you to keep still.
Once the doctor has done the transseptal puncture, a special catheter
will be put in the left atrium. This catheter will cauterize (destroy) the tissue
causing the atrial fibrillation. This is called ablation.
This procedure can take up to 5 hours. If you are uncomfortable,
let the nurse know.
When the procedure is done the wires are removed. The puncture
site seals itself so there is no need for stitches. Bandages are placed
over the site where the wires were put in.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
8
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Where do I go when I arrive at the hospital?
Go to Patient Registration. After you have been registered, you will be
directed to the Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit. You may bring 1 or 2 family
members or friends to be with you before and after your procedure.
In the Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
You will change into a hospital gown.
An intravenous (IV) will be started in your arm.
You will have hair clipped in your groin and chest areas.
You will have a tube put into your bladder to drain urine.
You will be given some sedation to help you relax.
You may wear your glasses, hearing aids and dentures.
You will be taken to the EPS Procedure Room.
What can I expect in the EPS Procedure Room?
A team of doctors and nurses who specialize in heart rhythms will
greet you. They will be wearing operating room clothes. You will meet
the doctor who will do the procedure. This team will be with you
throughout the procedure.
The room is cool to protect the computers and special equipment.
You will not receive a general anesthetic.
You will be given medication through your intravenous throughout the
procedure to keep you comfortable.
If you are uncomfortable, let your nurse know.
__________________________________________________________________________________
9
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
How is an atrial fibrillation ablation done?
• You will lie on a special table that
is hard and narrow.
• You will be connected to an
electrocardiography (ECG) monitor
and a blood pressure cuff to monitor
you during the procedure.
• You will also be connected to a
number of sticky pads to help the
doctor do the procedure safely.
Heart
• Clipped areas will be cleaned
with an antiseptic.
• Sterile sheets will be placed
over you. The staff will provide you
with as much privacy as they can.
• The site will be injected with a local
anesthetic or “freezing”. This will
sting for a few moments and then
the area will become numb. You will
feel pressure and movement at the
site during the procedure, but should
not feel pain.
Femoral Vein
Femoral Artery
• The doctor will put a needle into a vein in your groin. A small thin
hollow tube called a sheath is inserted through the skin into the
veins of your groin and neck. Temporary pacemaker wires are
placed through the vein into your heart. These wires are very
thin and flexible. The doctor watches an x-ray screen to guide the
wires into your heart.
• An x-ray camera will move over you during the procedure, but will
not touch you.
________________________________________________________________________________
8
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Where do I go when I arrive at the hospital?
Go to Patient Registration. After you have been registered, you will be
directed to the Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit. You may bring 1 or 2 family
members or friends to be with you before and after your procedure.
In the Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
You will change into a hospital gown.
An intravenous (IV) will be started in your arm.
You will have hair clipped in your groin and chest areas.
You will have a tube put into your bladder to drain urine.
You will be given some sedation to help you relax.
You may wear your glasses, hearing aids and dentures.
You will be taken to the EPS Procedure Room.
What can I expect in the EPS Procedure Room?
A team of doctors and nurses who specialize in heart rhythms will
greet you. They will be wearing operating room clothes. You will meet
the doctor who will do the procedure. This team will be with you
throughout the procedure.
The room is cool to protect the computers and special equipment.
You will not receive a general anesthetic.
You will be given medication through your intravenous throughout the
procedure to keep you comfortable.
If you are uncomfortable, let your nurse know.
__________________________________________________________________________________
9
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
How is an atrial fibrillation ablation done?
• You will lie on a special table that
is hard and narrow.
• You will be connected to an
electrocardiography (ECG) monitor
and a blood pressure cuff to monitor
you during the procedure.
• You will also be connected to a
number of sticky pads to help the
doctor do the procedure safely.
Heart
• Clipped areas will be cleaned
with an antiseptic.
• Sterile sheets will be placed
over you. The staff will provide you
with as much privacy as they can.
• The site will be injected with a local
anesthetic or “freezing”. This will
sting for a few moments and then
the area will become numb. You will
feel pressure and movement at the
site during the procedure, but should
not feel pain.
Femoral Vein
Femoral Artery
• The doctor will put a needle into a vein in your groin. A small thin
hollow tube called a sheath is inserted through the skin into the
veins of your groin and neck. Temporary pacemaker wires are
placed through the vein into your heart. These wires are very
thin and flexible. The doctor watches an x-ray screen to guide the
wires into your heart.
• An x-ray camera will move over you during the procedure, but will
not touch you.
________________________________________________________________________________
10
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
• In order to reach the left atrium, the doctor will place 2 fine wires
through the tissue between the right atrium and the left atrium of
your heart. This is called a transseptal puncture. You will receive
a small amount of x-ray dye. This puncture heals itself after
the procedure.
7
Where will I have my procedure?
Your procedure will be done in the Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit, also called
the Electrophysiology (EPS) Lab.
This unit is at the Hamilton General Hospital. The EPS is be done by a
specially trained doctor, called an electrophysiologist.
Pulmonary
Veins
Pulmonary
Veins
Left Atrium
Right Atrium
It is very important that you do not move during the procedure.
The sedation will help you to keep still.
Once the doctor has done the transseptal puncture, a special catheter
will be put in the left atrium. This catheter will cauterize (destroy) the tissue
causing the atrial fibrillation. This is called ablation.
This procedure can take up to 5 hours. If you are uncomfortable,
let the nurse know.
When the procedure is done the wires are removed. The puncture
site seals itself so there is no need for stitches. Bandages are placed
over the site where the wires were put in.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
6
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
What is an atrial fibrillation ablation?
During an atrial fibrillation ablation, a special catheter or wire is used to
cauterize (destroy) and block the abnormal signals coming from the
pulmonary veins. This prevents the abnormal signals from entering the
left atrium of your heart and causing atrial fibrillation.
How do I get ready for the procedure?
In the weeks leading up to your procedure you will:
• have a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). You will need a ride
home after this procedure because of the sedation you will receive.
• have a CT or MRI scan of your heart. The image that is created will help
the doctor during the ablation procedure.
• visit the Pre-Arrhythmia Clinic to meet with the nurse and have some
bloodwork taken and an ECG done.
• visit the Thrombosis Nurse regarding your Coumadin®
(blood thinning medication).
• have bloodwork for an INR the day before your procedure.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
11
What happens after an atrial fibrillation ablation?
While you are in the hospital
• You will return to the Arrhythmia reception area to recover.
• You will feel sleepy. You may have trouble remembering some
parts of the procedure afterwards. When you wake up these
effects will go away.
• You will rest in bed for 4 hours. The head of your bed may
be raised up to 30°.
• You will keep your leg straight and your head on the pillow
for 4 hours.
• Drink fluids and eat while you are resting.
• The urinary catheter will be removed when you are ready to get up.
• You may stay in the hospital overnight. You will be transferred to
another ward for the night.
• Arrange to be picked up by 7:00 am.
What are the risks of an atrial fibrillation ablation?
The risks vary with each person and are related to your health condition
and type of arrhythmia.
Your doctor will explain your risks to you before the procedure and ask
you to sign a consent form. Make sure you understand the risks and
benefits of the procedure before you sign the consent form.
You must arrange to have someone drive
you home from the hospital.
Do not drive for 48 hours.
Possible risks include:
•
•
•
•
•
bleeding from the vein at the puncture site
bruising or infection at the puncture site
small risk of stroke
small of risk of needing a pacemaker
small risk of bleeding around the heart
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
12
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
When you go home
• Although you may feel fine the next day, the effects of the sedation
may still be with you. Do not operate heavy equipment or power tools.
You may want to delay signing contracts or other financial decisions
for that day.
• Limit your lifting to less than 9 kilograms or 20 pounds for the next
2 to 3 days.
• You can walk or do gentle exercises when you get home. Do not do
strenuous exercise for the next 3 days.
• If you see blood on your bandage, place firm pressure on the area
for 5 minutes. If bleeding continues, call your doctor.
• You may remove your bandage the next morning.
• You may shower the next morning. Do not soak in water, such as
a pool, hot tub or bathtub for the next 3 days.
• Ask your doctor when you will be able to return to work. The type
of work you do will determine when you can return to work.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
5
Is atrial fibrillation harmful?
Yes, it can be harmful.
A fast heartbeat is a great concern because it can cause heart failure.
With heart failure, your heart has trouble pumping blood through
your body. Fluid collects in the lungs and causes trouble breathing,
swelling, coughing and extreme tiredness.
Atrial fibrillation often causes blood clots. This can be very harmful.
A blood clot can block a blood vessel so blood cannot flow through
the body. A clot can cause stabbing leg pain, trouble breathing,
a stroke or a heart attack.
How is atrial fibrillation treated?
Atrial fibrillation may be treated with:
1. Medications
Will I have to take any medications?
Before you go home, talk about your medications with your doctor or nurse.
Follow-up appointments
Talk to your doctor or nurse about your follow-up appointments.
Arrangements will be made for your follow-up appointments. You will
have a holter monitor and an MRI in about 3 months. The MRI Department
will call you with this appointment.
• To slow the heart rate. These medications include:
• beta blockers such as metoprolol or bisoprolol
• calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem
• To restore normal rhythm. These medications include:
• anti-arrhythmics such as amiodarone or sotalol
• To help prevent blood clots from forming in the heart. This is
called anticoagulant therapy. One name for this medication is
warfarin (Coumadin).
2. Cardioversion
Cardioversion is a procedure in which an electrical shock is applied
to the heart through the chest wall. The shock is given at a specific
time during the heart’s rhythm to return your heart to a normal or
sinus rhythm. This is a safe procedure carried out in hospital in a
monitored setting with sedation.
3. Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Your doctor has recommended that you undergo an atrial fibrillation
ablation, also called pulmonary vein isolation.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
What causes atrial fibrillation?
There are many causes of atrial fibrillation. Some causes are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
high blood pressure
heart attack
heart failure
a valve problem
heart or lung surgery
lung disease
thyroid disease
other heart problems
stimulant drugs such as cocaine, caffeine and alcohol
Sometimes there is no known cause. Both men and women can have
atrial fibrillation. It can happen to anyone, however it becomes more
common as you get older.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
13
Common terms
This list explains common terms you may hear or read about. If you would
like more information, ask the team.
Ablation (also called Radio Frequency Ablation)
A treatment for abnormal heart rhythms. Heart tissue that causes abnormal
heart rhythms is destroyed using a special catheter. Ablation leaves the
normal pathways in place.
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Medications to treat abnormal heart rhythms.
Arrhythmia
A change in the heart rhythm that makes the heart beat too fast, too slow
or irregularly. This is also called dysrhythmia.
Bradycardia
The slowness of the heart beat.
Echocardiogram
How will I feel when I have atrial fibrillation?
You may feel:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
tired
shaky
sweaty
trouble breathing
chest discomfort
anxious
irregular or fast heart beat
your heart pounding
dizzy
A test that uses ultrasound pulse waves. This test shows a picture of the
heart and how it contracts during a heart beat.
Fibrillation
A condition where many parts of the heart muscle are starting heart beats.
This causes an irregular heart beat.
Heart Failure
A condition where the heart muscle loses its strength and cannot pump
enough blood for the needs of the body. The most common signs of heart
failure are swollen ankles or legs or trouble breathing. It is also called
congestive heart failure or CHF.
Pacing
A procedure that uses an electrical signal to stimulate the heart to beat.
You may feel nothing at all and feel just fine.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
14
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Palpitation
The feeling of strong or forceful heart beats. The heart beats are usually
fast or irregular.
Pulmonary Veins
Veins that return blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
3
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias, or irregular
heart rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation is also called “a. fib” or “AF”. When you have atrial
fibrillation electrical impulses or signals come from many different areas
within the right atrium and left atrium (upper chambers), especially the
pulmonary veins. These signals are disorganized and rapid. This causes
your heart to beat fast and unevenly.
Left Atrium
Tachycardia
Fast heart beats.
Pulmonary
Veins
Pulmonary
Veins
Websites
Right Atrium
Heart and Stroke Foundation – www.heartandstroke.ca/AFGuide
Atrial
Fibrillation
Signals
Canadian Heart Rhythm Society – www.chrsonline.ca
Heart Rhythm Society – www.HRSonline.org
Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com
Septum
Biosensewebster – www.biosensewebster.com/patientEducation/
There are 3 types of atrial fibrillation:
• Paroxysmal: This is an irregular heartbeat for short periods of time.
• Persistant: This is an irregular heartbeat for long periods of time.
• Permanent: This is an irregular heartbeat all of the time.
Ask your doctor what type of atrial fibrillation you have.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
How does the heart work?
15
Notes
To understand atrial fibrillation, you need to know how the heart’s electrical
system works.
The sinoatrial node (SA node) is a natural pacemaker. It starts the
electrical signal that travels across the upper 2 chambers or atria of the
heart to the atrioventricular node (AV node).
The AV node transfers the electrical signal from the upper part of the heart
to the lower 2 pumping chambers or ventricles. The bundle branches are
specialized tissue that help send electrical impulses through the ventricles.
This makes a normal heart beat, called normal sinus rhythm.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
SA node
__________________________________________________________
Bundle branches
AV node
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
The electrical system coordinates the pumping action of the heart’s
four chambers.
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
This handout will help you learn about atrial fibrillation ablation, also called
pulmonary vein isolation.
©
Hamilton Health Sciences, 2008
PD 6062 – 04/2014
dpc/pted/LrgBk/AtrialFibrillationAblation-trh.doc
dt/April 14, 2014